COLUMBIA, S.C. - The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) will reopen some shellfish harvesting areas in Georgetown and Beaufort Counties previously closed due to excessive rainfall from Hurricane Matthew, the agency announced today.

"Oyster and clam tissue data indicate that these approved harvesting areas are suitable for harvesting," said Mike Pearson, manager of DHEC's Shellfish Sanitation Section. "This reopening includes the approved shellfish beds in Area 4, Murrells Inlet located in Georgetown County. In addition, multiple areas of Beaufort County will also be opening. The openings include the May River, Mackay Creek, Daws Island, Chechessee Creek, the western shore of Parris Island, Harbor River, Bird Island Creek, Station Creek, Brickyard Creek and the eastern portion of Hazzard Creek."

"North Inlet in Georgetown County, Clark Sound, Schooner Creek and the Wando River in Charleston County will remain closed along with the South Edisto River and remaining areas of Beaufort and Jasper Counties.

All of these growing areas can be seen in more detail at www.scdhec.gov/shellfish. The program continues to monitor the shellfish beds and will reopen remaining areas as soon as it is safe to do so.

For more information on clam and oyster harvesting areas in South Carolina, call DHEC's Shellfish Harvesting and Closure Information Line at 1-800-285-1618, or visit our website at www.scdhec.gov/shellfish